Inclusion

Scottish comedian Jerry Sadowitz has hit back at his critics with a lengthy response after his Edinburgh Fringe show was cancelled by the famous Pleasance venue amid accusations of racism, homophobia and misogyny. The American-born stand-up, who’s known for his controversial and often shocking antics on stage, was said to have made a racist comment about Prime Minsterial hopeful Rishi Sunak and was also slammed for exposing his genitals during the Friday night routine at the Pleasance at Edinburgh International Conference Centre — the venue where the Edinburgh Television Festival will be held next week. The Pleasance cancelled the following night’s performance after receiving “numerous complaints” and released a statement saying his content “did not align” with its values. It has since released a longer follow up statement outlining its reasoning. Sadowitz has responded in a Twitter post saying the venue had made a “victim” by the Pleasance doubling down on its … [Read more...] about Comedian Jerry Sadowitz Hits Back At Venue And Critics After Edinburgh Fringe Show Cancellation: “My Act Is Being Cheapened”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday that it has formally apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather over the actress’ famed appearance at the 1973 Oscars , where she appeared on Marlon Brando’s behalf to decline his Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Godfather . The “statement of reconciliation” signed by then-AMPAS president David Rubin was sent in June but revealed today as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced plans for “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather,” a program involving and programmed by Littlefeather that will take place September 17. Read Rubin’s letter below. At the 1973 Oscars, Littlefeather read a message from Brando after his name was announced highlighting Native American stereotypes in the entertainment industry as well as the 1973 Wounded Knee protest in South Dakota. The Academy said today the moment “resulted in her being professionally boycotted, personally attacked and harassed, and … [Read more...] about Movie Academy Apologizes To Sacheen Littlefeather Over 1973 Oscars – Read The Letter

Shudder — AMC’s streamer for horror, thriller and the supernatural — has inked a deal with The Boulet Brothers to expand their Dragula franchise with a new season, a new spinoff series and an additional special to air in the next year. The first project is a full-season spinoff series based on their reality competition series The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula that has already finished principal filming and will debut this fall. The series’ format, content and cast are still being kept under wraps. The new pact comes on the heels of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’s fourth season, which became one of Shudder’s most watched series of 2021. “With The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and Resurrection , the Boulet Brothers have proven to be uniquely talented producers and storytellers, creating innovative, inclusive programming that smashes genres and draws a large and loyal following. We’re excited to be working with them on their upcoming new competition series, with more … [Read more...] about The Boulet Brothers Sign Multi-Production Deal With Shudder

The National Hispanic Media Coalition will honor Colman Domingo , Francia Raisa , George Lopez , Mayan Lopez, and Yvett Merino at its 36th Annual Impact Awards gala on September 9. On My Block star, Jessica Marie Garcia will serve as host of the festivities; U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro will make a special appearance. Returning to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel after last year’s virtual celebration, the Impact Awards celebrates the outstanding individuals dedicating themselves to creating a more inclusive entertainment industry through the positive portrayal of the Latinx community, both in front of and behind the camera. “This year’s honorees have helped push the industry forward and have been instrumental in the movement for an increased and accurate representation of Latinos in Hollywood from the very start of their careers,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition in a statement. “NHMC is thrilled to be … [Read more...] about Colman Domingo, Francia Raisa & George Lopez Among NHMC Impact Awards Honorees

At the end of a day that saw about 70 (14%) staffers in his divisions getting laid off, Casey Bloys , Chief Content Officer for HBO & HBO Max , just sent an email to his team about the cuts as well as his new (old) senior HBO/Max scripted executive team of Amy Gravitt, Francesca Orsi and Sarah Aubrey, which includes new responsibilities for Gravitt and Aubrey. In the memo (read it in full below), Bloys lays out the responsibilities for his top executives on the scripted and documentary side who are staying on and also highlights the accomplishments of the top executives who are leaving as a result of the layoffs: Jennifer O’Connell, Jennifer Kim; Michael Quigley and Linda Lowy. “Although I am confident these structural changes will allow us to sustain a thriving business model, these decisions have been extremely painful to make,” Bloys wrote. “We operate in an environment where we must adapt in real-time to industry and company exigencies. None of this … [Read more...] about Casey Bloys Addresses HBO/Max Reorg, “Extremely Painful” Layoff Decisions In Memo